Lateral Partner Moves: Ethical Obligations of Lawyers and Law Firms

Lateral partner moves are commonplace in the legal profession. Navigating such moves raises tricky and complex issues under the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC). In addition, partners contemplating lateral moves should be mindful of their fiduciary duties to their current firm. Conversely, law firms should be mindful of their ethical obligations. This article explains the ethical issues faced by laterally moving partners and their firms in light of recent guidance by the New York State Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association. See New York RPC 1.4 comments 7b-7g; New York City Bar Association Eth. Op. 2023-1, “Ethical Obligations of Lawyers and Law Firms Relating to Attorney Departures” (June 20, 2022).